Why do we sleep more in winter?

Now we are in the "heart" of winter! Short and dark days are the most characteristic feature of the season. A time when we feel that we long for our bed and mattress even more. Indeed, it is true that we sleep more in the winter months. But that doesn't mean we actually need more sleep when it's cold outside.

Do we need more sleep in winter?

A healthy adult's needs translate to seven to nine hours of sleep each night and do not change with temperature or the length of the night. However, "according to data we have at the National Sleep Foundation, a healthy adult often sleeps 1.75 to 2.5 hours more during the winter."

Why do we sleep more in winter?

While we don't physically need more sleep in the winter, environmental changes, along with other causes, leave us tossing and turning in bed more. Let's see them in more detail:

• Shorter days and cold temperatures: These conditions affect the circadian rhythm, i.e. the sleep-wake schedule. And this happens, because this internal clock of ours is synchronized with the hours before sunset. Earlier sunsets and short days can be exhausting because they promote an early rise in melatonin in the body. In addition, low temperatures activate the metabolism, which increases our needs for both more food and sleep.
• Less sun exposure. This means a decrease in the synthesis of vitamin D from our skin. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Stress, anxiety and depression are also linked to low vitamin D levels.
• The stress of the holidays. There is an inherent amount of psychological stress on the holidays due to various social obligations, the associated financial costs and our efforts to make the holidays as magical as possible. Add to all of the above alcohol and the consumption of more food and sweets, and you will soon understand what we mean by exhaustion and low mood. If you're skipping exercise to catch up on everything you have to do on your vacations and days off, it will soon be reflected in your sleep.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder. This type of depression is associated with environmental changes throughout the year, most often in spring and winter. It can affect our ability to sleep well at night, causing sleepiness during the rest of the day. Other symptoms include a change in mood, a strong sense of melancholy, a desire to withdraw and low energy levels - all of which can cause us to seek refuge in our bed.

What should I remember? If all of the above reminds you of your winter schedule and habits during the winter, we have some tips for you to regain your energy and ability to concentrate during the day. First, remember the science! Our body does not need more sleep in the winter. Even if there are several mainly psychological reasons to get under the covers, our bodies don't automatically get more tired when the time changes. If you have trouble getting out of bed on cold, dark days, try a few tricks to prepare your body.

• Set a soothing sound on your alarm clock that will gradually wake you up like the sunrise would.
• Set the heaters to turn on fifteen minutes before the alarm goes off. So your bedroom won't be too cold, but it won't overheat, so that it throws you back into the arms of Morpheus.
• Exercise in the morning. Having morning exercise in your schedule is a good reason to get out of bed, and the exercise itself will increase your energy levels.

So if you think you sleep more in the winter, then you're probably right. If this is causing you problems in your daily life, follow our advice and you will soon notice results. For a rapid improvement in the quality of your sleep, combine all of the above with anatomical mattresses and other innovative sleep products from Orion Strom. With insights from Sleepopolis ' sleep health experts